There is Beauty in the Storm

Across town the snow is falling and the roads are getting slick, Mary begins to look out the window and worry.  Over the last hour the snow started to really come down and the newscaster is predicting over 4 inches in the new few hours.  Mary said to no one in particular, "storms come for no reason but to bring trouble". She starts hoping and praying her boss tells everyone to pack it up.  She can just see the traffic at a stand still.  Mary wants to get home to the kids, the school already said they would be dismissing early.  Soon the announcement comes that everyone can go, and to get home as soon as possible, it going to be a blizzard.  Mary becomes worried and fearful, the last time she drove in the snow someone almost hit her car and she knows today will probably be no better.  Curse this snow, Mary thought.

 

Now the snow begins to fall in the neighborhood and Alex and Hailey can't wait to get off of the school bus.  They hurry into the house and their Dad, Michael has just arrived home too.  They greet their Dad and inquire as to when Mary, their Mom will be home.  Michael reports that he just spoke with her and that she's on her way.  The kids get giddy with excitement and run toward the garage.  Michael continues into the living room.

 

Mary makes it home after a grueling bout with traffic. She walks in the house as the wind picks up and again curses the snow under her breath.  As she walks in the house she's greeted with warmth from the fire place and immediately feels warmth all the way down to her toes.  She come to the living room where she sees the window covering spread and open to reveal the shovels in the back yard and all the fixings to sled and make snow men. The snow is falling and its a beautiful sight! She also find Michael, Alex and Hailey gathered around the fire with mugs of hot chocolate. One is sitting to the side for her. Hailey exclaims they've been waiting for her to get home!  Alex explains how they were super excited to get out of school early and how they got everything ready to play in the snow later!  Michael holds his arms out so that she can come get comfortable with them and enjoy the rest of the day.  As she sits down he whispers into her ear "thank God for blizzards".

Mary considered her earlier feelings regarding the snow, about how it was such a hassle and just made for a miserable time.  As she thought to herself, she looked at her family and considered their outlook on the snow, she quickly realized that perception is everything.  That though snow and blizzards can bring about some ugly conditions in some circumstances,  they can also bring some awesome moments too. She realized there is beauty in the storm.

I pray this touched your heart today and that you will consider every side of  the situations you find yourself in.  Look for the beauty, if you happen to not be able to find it, look directly to God because He has purpose in everything.

~God Bless U

God is FAITHFUL

Let me encourage you today that God is faithful!  He will not fail you, nor leave you, nor forsake you. Some of us are struggling with life; whether it be home, relationships, work, finances, spiritual health, physical health, mental health, or a combination thereof, God will see you through.  The scripture says:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  1Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)

So how do we make it?  When does it get better?  When will the pain stop?  When will the drought leave?  I believe these answers are not external but internal.  Things change when we decide to change our mindset about them.  Instead of feelings of despair encourage yourself in the Lord.  Proclaim victory over those issues and start doing things in your daily life to move past them.  There are some things that no matter how we try to out think them we need the Hand of God to come in and change  them.  God knows this too, and a can do mindset tells God you are still in the fight and you are not giving up.  That you are waiting on Him for your help. Our faith moves God into action.  He is there ready willing, able and waiting, to move on your behalf.  Ask Him and watch and see how He transforms your life right before your eyes. 

I had to ask God for help recently and I knew God was waiting on me to have the mindset needed to overcome the obstacle. One of my struggles is with being very tired after work, but still needing to come home and be a parent, cook a meal, and not spend my evenings trying to get rest that truly never comes because everybody still needs me.  There is no point in laying down to take a nap if your six year old will be on your side tapping you for a snack, or your seven year old wants to tell you about something funny that happened at school. Then its the middle child's turn, and then when you think you've gotten that out of the way here come the oldest to tell you about something he needs for school tomorrow.  Then an hour has passed, everyone has said what they had to say and they leave you to said nap, but you still don't get it because now your husband has made it home an you need to be mentally present to hear about his day.  In the end, it's like "what nap??? 

So I needed God's help to overcome the fatigue I felt after work and be productive for my household. One thing I decided to do is not go into my bedroom when I get home.  I stop at the table and take any questions from the kids, ask about homework, have snack, heat the over, etc.  Whatever I can do to break the monotony and keep going.  I'm training my mind that off of work does not mean off of life.  This has helped me so much that I now can go in the house, help with homework, start dinner, then run downstairs and hop on the treadmill for a few.  What has not changed is that I'm tired and that I would still rather be in my bed sleeping by 7pm.  But with God's help and a change in my mindset I am learning to do what is better and more profitable for me. 

With God nothing is impossible!  Now I do have some more pressing things that I need God's help with than my evening routine, but I wanted to give you an example of how God is faithful over the everyday things of your life.  Trust Him warriors. Try Him at His word and watch your mindset change and your circumstances improve!

God Bless U

By Prayer and Fasting

I have been praying for God to move on my behalf for a few things. At times I can see them being removed, but then another situation may come up and I'm presented with the issue all over again.  I was thinking about my circumstances all over again this morning, and the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance Matthew 17:21.

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting". Matthew 17:21

 

 

The disciples could not cast a spirit out of a man's son and they couldn't understand why.  Jesus talked to them about unbelief and faith, but then He let them know that there are some things that will only be removed by prayer and fasting. 

 

I believe this is the answer to those issues of life that seem to have a foothold on us.  The things that no matter how hard we try, we can't shake it, or it lingers, or it seems to come up over and over again. When we pray and fast we are garnering strength from the spirit realm to help us overcome spiritual and earthly obstacles. when you fast you put the flesh under subjection which then causes your spirit man to rise up and have direct communication into the spirit.  The bible tells us to worship in spirit and truth because God is spirit. So the flesh that usually separates us has to take a seat and we draw closer to our heavenly Father for direction, purpose, and care.  I believe when we pray and fast the whole heavenly hosts takes notice.  The enemy then has to back down, the troubling spirits flee from us and God stands glorified in our lives.

 

 

I know I went a little deep there, but there is so much deeper to go.  But, in the interest of not losing not one soul, let's put it like this:  prayer and fasting removes obstacles out of the way, it gives the believer clarity, hope, and the determination needed to overcome. Most importantly God moves mightily on your behalf! So I encourage you to pray and fast for the following areas:

• closer to God
• spiritual enlightenment
• healing (physical, emotional, & spiritual)
• knowledge and discernment
• breakage of generational curses
• removal of sin and iniquity
• fruitful and productive ministries
• strong and loving family life
• financial security & prosperity
• safety
• etc. (anything that is on your heart)

 

I'm not telling you anything I don't know to be the truth.  God has moved in mighty ways, my thinking has been changed, and actual miracles have happen to ME as a result of praying and fasting.   You don't need to be in turmoil to fast, in fact it is better to go unto Him for nothing more than to be closer and to experience His love on a new level.  I pray this helps someone, I truly know what my next steps are as we go into November.  I will be praying for spiritual enlightenment, a deeper understanding, the healing of my family, physical healing for my husband and I, and financial relief.  If you would like to join me as I go forward in this season of praying and fasting, or if you would like for me to explain a bit more regarding the two, please feel free to leave me a message or email me and I will be sure to respond.

 

God Bless U